Board Director opportunities

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk.

The OSC seeks up to four individuals to join our Board of Directors. Board Directors are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance. The OSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that fosters belonging where diverse perspectives are represented.

All applicants should have demonstrated experience in the capital markets. Applicants with additional expertise in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply – emerging digital technologies, including crypto assets, and their governance; information technology or cybersecurity; fintech; middle and/or back office; structured products or derivatives; debt capital markets; markets and exchanges; and/or investor education, as are applicants with a Chartered Professional Accountant/Chartered Accountant designation.

Board Directors must have demonstrated attributes relevant to the work of the Commission – independent perspective, integrity, duty of care, professional or business judgment, commitment to allocate necessary time, valuing public service, and respectful communication and cooperation with peers and staff. Board Directors must be able to capably work with computers, technology, and digital documents.

Collectively, Board Directors perform the following two distinct functions:

Regulatory – make rules and policies

Board Directors approve and oversee the implementation of the Commission’s regulatory priorities and initiatives, make rules that have the force of law, adopt policies that influence the behaviour of capital market participants, and guide staff on the completion of policy initiatives.

As policy and rule-makers, Board Directors should have an advanced understanding of the Canadian capital markets acquired through professional, industry, investor or leadership experience in a combination of the following areas: accounting or audit; asset management; corporate or commercial law; crypto assets; debt capital markets; environmental, social and governance; equity capital markets; fintech; investment banking or mergers and acquisitions; investor education; investor or public relations; markets and exchanges; middle and/or back office; public policy or regulation; retail investor protection; securities law; structured products or derivatives; and wealth management.

Governance – serve as a board of directors

Board Directors are responsible for the overall stewardship and strategy of the Commission, oversee the management of the Commission’s financial and operational affairs, and are appointed to chair or serve on one or more of the Board’s four standing committees – Audit and Finance, Governance and Nominating, Human Resources and Compensation, and Risk.

Board Directors should have an advanced understanding of corporate governance and leadership in a combination of the following areas: c-suite; corporate governance; environmental, social and governance; equity, diversity and inclusion; financial literacy; human resources or compensation; information technology or cybersecurity; issuer or for-profit board; not-for-profit board; public service; risk management; and strategic planning.

To learn more about the Commission and its governance framework, please review the Ontario Securities Commission Charter of Governance.

This is a part-time position (approximately nine hours per week) with some weeks requiring significantly more or less time. In addition, Board Directors must complete the Commission’s New Board Director Orientation Program requiring approximately 18 hours, at the time of onboarding.

Board Directors attend in-person and virtual biweekly regulatory meetings, quarterly governance and board committee meetings, and special meetings as needed. In-person meetings are held at the Commission’s offices in Toronto. Lengthy and complex meeting materials are provided on a digital platform. Board Directors participate in ongoing regulatory and governance professional development, may represent the Commission at public events, and are supported by staff of the Commission.

Board Directors are remunerated by the OSC in accordance with the Agencies and Appointments Directive and the Board Director Expenses and Remuneration Policy. Eligible expenses are reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the Travel, Meal, Hospitality and Expenses Directive.

To apply, please provide a cover letter and résumé outlining your qualifications and experience to Massey Henry by January 17, 2025, for consideration by the OSC’s Governance and Nominating Committee. All applications of interest are appreciated, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

It is our priority to ensure opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups, including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women, and people from the LGBTQ2S+ community.

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected]. Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada.